Agony and Ivory

All photos by Nakkna

Back while I was in Sweden, I heard some terrible rumors about the demise of one of my favorite Stockholm based labels, Nakkna.  I didn't see any of their clothes sold at boutiques that previously carried them, and their own stand up shop had long ago been replaced by something else.  After a look at their website (which I should have probably checked earlier), I've happily found that the rumors are false, and that Nakkna is still creating its signature brand of minimal, geometrically cut, directional attire.  Rather than following the normal Spring/Fall collection schedule, Nakkna is now releasing small capsule collections throughout the year at their desired pace, and selling them directly to the consumer via their online shop.  Their latest collection features stark black, white, and greyscale pieces that alternate between aggressively angular and dynamically drapey, and even if they're forward thinking in design, they're clearly made for everyday use and wear.  I just wish I had found the webstore before I left Sweden so I could have saved on international shipping fees.

-Tiffany

Gimme A Beat

All photos by Molami

Headphones, in the last few years, have become a surprisingly ubiquitous accessory.  In both New York and Stockholm, many of my fellow subway companions regularly sport various shades of Urbanears (which originated in Sweden, but are so popular that they are even sold in J.Crew's children's section), or, as Christina pointed out, Beats, Dr. Dre's headphone line.  I generally prefer earbuds myself, finding headphones too clunky to carry around, and too easy to get tangled in just about everything.  Recently though, my earbuds broke, and I've been wearing a pair of Eskuches that I normally reserve for behind the DJ booth.  Now that I'm getting accustomed to them, nicer pairs are starting to catch my eye.

I first spotted Molami, yet another Swedish headphone line, at Nitty Gritty in Stockholm.  Since Sweden has pumped out an endless stream of musical talent, while simultaneously maintaining a reputation for forward thinking design, it's hardly surprising that such meticulously designed headphones would originate from the country.  Designer Maria von Euler drew upon her background in tailoring and fashion design to create luxe new headsets that incorporate leather and fabric, as well as silver or gold metallic accents.  The pleat headphones have a dynamic angular shape that flatters the face, while another model features earphones built into a soft silk headband that straps around the head.  They're beautifully crafted, easy to use, and perfectly balance form and function.  If I had a pair, I would wear them everyday---they're simply too nice to wear while hiding behind a DJ booth. 

Costume Drama

A costume from The Brothers Lionheart.  Photos by Carl Thorborg.

I have long overlooked Dansmuseet, Stockholm's museum dedicated to all forms of dance, and probably wouldn't have made a visit if it weren't for my friend Gabi's urgings.  One of Stockholm's partially free museums (you have to pay extra for the temporary shows), the majority of the permanent exhibitions focus on the museum's extensive collection of costumes from all over the world, and is the closest thing we have to a costume institute in these parts.  In fact, the current special exhibition on display, Koroly's Costume Drama, is one of the most exciting sartorial installations I've ever seen.

The breathtaking survey of Swedish-American costume designer Charles Koroly's work features a wide span of pieces, ranging from surreal human-puppet costumes made for The Brothers Lionheart, to classic French rococo attire made for a production of Madame de Sade.  Each piece is incredibly constructed, and one of the most impressive highlights is a costume for The Brothers Lionheart that involves a metal cage skirt covered in floral branches, and is so large and unwieldy that it has its own set of wheels built into the hemline so it can be rolled along with the performer on stage.  What makes the show particularly special is the fact that visitors are actually allowed to touch all of the garments on display, allowing curious couture students to thoroughly examine the construction and enjoy every aspect of illusion creation.  That's a privilege that would be hard to find anywhere else.

Costumes from The Brothers Lionheart

A costume from Aurum

Costume from The Brothers Lionheart

Costume from Erik XIV

Costumes from Madame de Sade

Costume from The Brothers Lionheart

Costume from The Brothers Lionheart

Costume from The Misanthrope

Costumes from Richard III

Costume for Twelfth Night

-Tiffany

NORRBACK AW 2012 + Pop-Up Shop Opening Party

I've been working at NORRBACK while I've been in Stockholm, and a while back, I posted some behind the scene photos from the Autumn Winter Lookbook shoot. Here are the results, and a look at the new collection.  My favorite pieces are the zig-zag knit short sleeve jacket, and the illustrated black and white fox print dress.  If you happen to be in Stockholm this Saturday, you can pick up a goodybag with the same print at our Pop-Up shop opening party (invite below).  There will be drinks, snacks, music, giveaways and other surprises--Hope to see you there! 

-Tiffany

Winter Whites

Marc Jacobs coat, Jameson leggings, Minimarket scarf and bag, Alexander Wang boots, Slow and Steady Wins the Race sunglasses, Devaki hat.

The last bits of snow are melting away now, and I swear I can feel springtime in the air (or at least I'm sneezing a lot, which means my allergies can at least sense something stirring).  Since it felt so warm yesterday, we took a walk in the woods around our house again.  Unfortunately, all of the snow in the woods had melted into an endless sheet of hard, slippery ice, and our walk ended up being an hour of precariously ice-skating up and down paths while trying to find our way back to civilization.  Ah, Sweden!  Even though the excursion was a little more stressful than we had anticipated, we did come across this playhut in the middle of the woods, complete with a mini fireplace and a log bench.  I couldn't resist poking around inside.

-Tiffany

Stockholm Shopping: Studio Vintage

If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you surely know that I love and adore Swedish fashion designers, and am an ardent collector of their clothes. Nonetheless, since moving to Stockholm, where nearly everyone is very well-dressed, and where nearly everyone buys and supports local talent, I've found myself increasingly likely to run into someone wearing the exact same outfit as my own.  The solution? I've been increasingly drawn to vintage and second hand, something that I've stayed away from in New York recently because of the horrific bedbug epidemic that's unfortunately taken seige of my hometown.  Luckily, my current adopted city is extremely clean, pristine, and bedbug-free, in addition to having a large number of vintage, thrift, and second hand shops.

One of my favorite new discoveries is Studio Vintage.  I don't know why I haven't visited sooner, as my friend Patrik works there, but it is situated in a part of town that I rarely frequent.  Located in the heart of Ostermalm, an area known more for expensive designer boutiques than for quirky and fun finds, the boutique is an unexpected and rather lovely surprise.  Carefully curated by Maria Jonas, the store is a mix of second hand designer finds and amazing vintage pieces, many of them with interesting histories and previous lives that Jonas can tell you about.  On my visit today, I came across 80's era Theirry Mugler suits, previous season Prada sweaters, a Versace dress that was recently knocked off in the H&M collaboration, and a trove of Balmain dresses.  Of course there were plenty of Swedish designers in the mix too, and it's clear that Jonas has an eye for good design.  Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the store is the prices, which are also reasonable, as Jonas believes that vintage allows people to buy unique clothes without having to pay couture prices.  For those of you outside of Stockholm, Studio Vintage will be launching their eBay shop soon!

Charles Jourdan shoes and vintage bag

Versace dress

Louis Vuitton ballet flats

Pucci dress

Vintage Laura Ashley blouse

-Tiffany